Kelly Olynyk

Entering his fourth NBA season, Olynyk will look to solidify himself as a starting-caliber big man on what should be a strong Celtics team. After coming off the bench for 61 of 69 games last season, Olynyk is a candidate to start at power forward his season alongside high-pr...

The breakout season some predicted for Olynyk in 2014-15 unfortunately did not occur, as the Canadian had a shaky sophomore season. On the positive side of things, he saw improvement in minutes (20 to 22), points (8.7 to 10.3), three-pointers (0.6 to 1.0), and steals (0.5 to 1.0), as well as a slight one-point improvement in field goal shooting to 48 percent. But he regressed in other areas. His rebounds decreased to 4.7 per game, and his free throw percentage dropped 17 points to 68 percent. Olynyk also missed over a month of action due to a severe right ankle sprain. But the most glaring issue was Olynyk's tendency to become a non-factor in many games. Last year, The Clynyk had 22 games where he scored five points or fewer, including three poor efforts in the playoffs versus Cleveland. GM Danny Ainge realized the Celtics needed frontcourt help, acquiring David Lee and Amir Johnson in the off-season. Both veterans will probably take minutes from Olynyk, even with the departure of Brandon Bass. For Olynyk's third season, he's probably once again looking at a bench role with limited opportunities to develop his game. That could all change though if GM Danny Ainge makes a big trade deadline deal, as many expect. Until then, Olynyk's opportunities for growth seem limited.

2014-15

Olynyk generated buzz entering his rookie season after wowing the onlookers at the 2013 Orlando Summer League, but summer-league performances are not a guarantee of future performance. The 7-foot power forward went on to have an up-and-down season, which included an early-season ankle injury. In 70 games, he averaged 8.7 points on 47-percent shooting, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 20 minutes per game last season. Olynyk hinted at the polished offensive game that was his reputation coming out of Gonzaga, but he's a work-in-progress defensively. Forced to see a lot of action at center, NBA bigs attacked him in the post, and he was susceptible in pick-and-roll defense. That's largely due to his conditioning, something Olynyk has been working on between years one and two in the Association. Auguring well for the big man is the improvement he showed over the second half of the season that culminated in an impressive three-game stretch (25.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.7 apg) to finish the season. He'll get the minutes he needs to develop, expanding offensively and improving defensively, but the addition of Tyler Zeller will limit the available minutes at center. And there's a crowd at the four, along with Brandon Bass and Jared Sullinger. That's a problem coach Brad Stevens will need to address, but Olynyk is in line for an increased role this season.

2013-14

A case can be made that Olynyk deserved MVP honors from the Orlando Summer League. While the sample size was small, he impressed fans with 18.0 points, 7,8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 58 percent from the field. He even hit three 3-pointers. Olynyk is a legit 7-footer but prefers a face-up offensive approach and lacks the bulk to guard true centers. He'll get most of his minutes at the power forward spot. "The Klynyk" (we'll see if that nickname takes off) is a big part of Boston's rebuilding plans.